WORKS START ON GREAT NORTHERN HIGHWAY UPGRADE IN THE KIMBERLEY

Works have started on the upgrade of Great Northern Highway from Maggie Creek to Wyndham in Western Australia’s Kimberley Region with the new section of road set to improve regional connectivity.

Federal Member for Durack Melissa Price said the works would improve road safety and access along Great Northern Highway heading into Wyndham and increase the overall reliability of the route.

“By increasing the capacity of the culverts and upgrading existing floodways, the works are expected to promote year-round access to major town sites for local residents and tourists visiting the area,” Ms Price said.

Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael McCormack said the Wyndham Spur section of Great Northern Highway was an important route for the local community and the transport industry in the East Kimberley Region as it provides the only sealed access to Wyndham and the Port while also linking Kununurra and Wyndham.

“The project will see Great Northern Highway upgraded between Maggie Creek and Wyndham, including widening and strengthening works along the Wyndham Spur section and the realignment and construction of a passing lane at Maggie’s Jump Up,” Mr McCormack said.

Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Matt Canavan said the Maggie Creek to Wyndham project formed part of the Australian Government’s $600 million investment in Australia’s northern road network under the Northern Australia Roads Program (NARP).

“Projects delivered under the NARP will play an essential role in supporting the ongoing economic development of our regions across the North, particularly those with expanding mining and agricultural industries,” Senator Canavan said.

“The Maggie Creek to Wyndham project will increase employment and business opportunities for the Kimberley region, with a particular focus on creating opportunities for Indigenous people and businesses.”

The Australian Government has committed $44.9 million towards the project,with the Western Australian Government contributing up to $11.2 million.

For more information on the Northern Australia Roads Program visit http://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure_investment/northern_australia_roads.aspx.